In more evidence that consumers want voice control of their TV options, Amazon announced that new Alexa voice features are coming to Fire TV. They include the ability to control playback of Amazon Video and Add-On Subscription content, launch apps, access local movie show times, search local businesses and restaurants, and more. The new features will reportedly be automatically delivered via free, over-the-air software updates in the coming weeks.
“Customers have told us they love having the convenience of Alexa on their Amazon Fire TV,” Tim Twerdahl, GM at Amazon Fire TV, says. “
Consumers will be able to launch apps by saying the likes of “Open HBO Now” or “Launch Hulu” into the Fire TV voice remote. T play Amazon Video and Add-On Subscription content from Starz, Showtime and others, customers can ask for the show by name — for example, “Watch Veep.”
To find local movie show times via Alexa, customers can ask “What movies are playing nearby?” or “Where is The Jungle Book playing?” for theater and time info. If they want dinner before, they can ask something like “What Mexican restaurants are nearby?”